Kiwis Fight Back: Tauranga residents protest TPPA + video

Tauranga protesters have backed an international rally against the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) today.

Hundreds gathered in Red Square from 1pm with signs and placards as part of the Kiwis Fight Back: International Day of Action Against the TPPA.

New Zealand is one of 12 countries involved in negotiating an agreement that critics say go further than trade talks.

They have called on the Government to release the text of the negotiations so people can see exactly what is at stake.

Melanie Caldwell, a Tauranga resident and one of the organisers of the protest, said she thought the support had grown since the election.

"I think the sense of urgency is because John Key got back in so it's a real threat now... It's a real fear now."

She wanted people to share their messages and join the protests.

"I think the more people are thinking 'this is real, this is actually happening', and share that on social media, the concern will grow exponentially."

Protesters were calling for the Government to reveal the details of the agreement, she said.

"Question the content. We want it to be transparent, we want it to work for all New Zealanders not just the one per cent."